You know that at Bricks 4 Kidz we are all about building academic skills as kids learn by doing. The holidays offer the perfect time to teach kids some lessons that lie outside the realm of academics, but are still so important to success in life.

With the holiday season in full swing, there’s a lot of talk about being thankful. However, we don’t always slow down to make sure we are teaching our kids what that means. In the hustle and bustle of this season, there are some simple ways we can encourage our kids to have a grateful spirit:

Encourage kids to talk about things for which they are grateful. This shouldn’t be reserved for Thanksgiving dinner or even the month of November. Make it a family habit all year long. Let family members share one thing they are thankful for on the drive to school, at the dinner table, or before bedtime each night.

Teach your kids the importance of saying “thank you.” Go beyond the verbal “thank you” and have your kids send thank you notes. The holiday season is the perfect time to do this.

As you share what makes you grateful, don’t miss the opportunity to talk to your child about the importance of giving to others. Stress that giving is not about money. It can be as simple as a kind or encouraging word. Giving to others can help us appreciate what we have even more.

Put it into action. You might let your child put some money into the Salvation Army’s bucket at the local mall or let your child choose a toy to donate to an organization that has a toy drive.

Finally, encourage your kids to keep a “gratitude journal.” Research shows that people who are grateful are more likely to be successful. A study by UCLA and the University of Miami provides scientific support for the idea of putting it on paper, finding that people who do so are happier and healthier.